Module 2: Basic Pharmacology of Controlled Drugs and Substances

Lesson 1

Psychostimulants / amphetamines – Pharmacokinetics

Amphetamines are CNS stimulants that are sympathomimetic amines acting as dopamine antagonists that indirectly release and prevent the re-uptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the presynaptic nerve ending. This action stimulates the central cortex, brain stem, and the reticular activating system and appears to stimulate the reward centre in the brain, accounting for the drug’s high potential for abuse (Woo & Wynne, 2012).